Morris faces race against time

Morris faces race against time - Yahoo7

Western Bulldogs defender Dale Morris is determined to play again this season, despite suffering a setback in his return from a stress fracture in his leg.

The 29-year-old All Australian defender suffered a broken right leg in last year's Round 21 clash with Essendon and has not played since, having suffered a stress fracture in the same leg last May after playing in the VFL reserves in April.

Morris, though, has suffered another setback which will force him to have another eight weeks of rehabilitation.

"I will continue my rehab program with the intent of playing football this season," a defiant Morris said.

"I was very grateful to receive an opportunity to come off the rookie list back in 2005, and now one of our rookies will get that chance, which is a huge positive for the individual and the club."

Morris has been placed on the Bulldogs long-term injury list allowing mature-aged ruckman Tom Campbell to be elevated to the primary list.

Campbell, 20, produced a timely best on ground performance for the Dogs VFL affiliate Williamstown last weekend and in further good news for the club, defender Tom Williams is close to returning from a shoulder injury.